Are you going to university soon and scared about so many things — if, how or where you will make friends, what societies you will join, what university life is really like? 
I have got you. No need to stress — I will be giving you tips on surviving your first year, having the best time ever, and the advice I wish I got before I got to university.
Let Us Talk About Making Friends
I know making friends is one of every fresher’s biggest fears (because it definitely was one of mine). 
It is scary — one minute you are in sixth form or college with your clique, and the next, you are all off to different unis and basically starting life from scratch.
But do not worry, I have got all the tricks up my sleeve.
Make sure you go to inductions, Freshers’ Fair, or any welcome events — that is where you will find your people. 
Over 80% of freshers attend these to meet others. Not sure where to find them?
Join as many group chats as possible (your course, your flat, your school), because loads of info gets dropped in those.
Everyone wants to make friends, so approach someone who seems like your vibe. Sit beside them. Smile. Ask questions. If you want to make friends, you have got to come out of your shell and put yourself forward.
Let Us Talk Dealing with Fresher’s Flu and Homesickness
First tip: bring your own mini first aid kit. Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Lemsip, Vitamin C — your immune system will thank you when you are out all week with your new friends.
Everyone gets homesick. It is okay to miss home.
Bring photos for your wall. Bring snacks you eat at home — the nostalgia will hit. And do not feel embarrassed about FaceTiming your mum, your siblings, your nan. The first week is the hardest — so 
do whatever you need to do to feel okay.
Eating Well on a Student Budget
I cannot stress this enough, but if you don’t want to spend over £600 monthly on takeout, you need to make sure you know how to cook at least 6 simple meals. Those simple meals can range from stir-fry noodles, to fried-rice, or even pasta with a tomato sauce but one thing I’m going to promise you is that yo up don’t learn how to whip up a basic meal, or the first few months will be hell and you’ll be living broke. 
Next up, Aldi and Lidl have to be your go-to shopping stores because of their low prices in comparison to Sainsbury’s or Tesco and their weekly offers and deals on food and essentials which help stretch a tight budget.
For cheap recipes: https://www.savethestudent.org/save-money/food-drink/easy-meal-prep-for-students.html
Clubs, Societies = Instant Community
Even if you’re shy, joining one society can totally change your university experience. I joined a society in my first week of university and it was one of the best things I did. The first day, I didn’t know anyone so don’t wait for someone to drag you there – go alone if you have to! You won’t be the only one. I love tennis and at the freshers sports fair, I went to the tennis stand and asked them everything I needed to know to join. I went to their try out session and decided it was totally for me. I met such a good community there and on Wednesdays we have social nights with so many fun themes. 
Make sure you join a society because it’s a great avenue to make friends instantly, an opportunity to learn or try something new, it’s also essential for your mental health as it gives you time away from studying and if you take on a role like treasurer or president, vice president, etc, you’ll build leadership skills and experience which looks great on a job or internship application. In summary, societies help you:
- Make friends instantly
- Escape academic stress
- Try new things
- Build leadership skills (roles like treasurer or president look great on your CV)
Creating a Study Routine That Actually Works
With all the fun, it is easy to forget the main reason you are here — your degree.
One of the biggest shocks at university is the amount of free time. But that freedom can be overwhelming, so a simple routine keeps you grounded. Try an 11am–5pm routine — it is realistic and works.
- 11AM: Wake up, shower, eat breakfast (or brunch), check your email and timetable.
- 12PM: Head to campus, even if you do not have a class. Use the library to chill or study. Just being on campus helps you feel focused.
- 1PM: Go to lectures or use this time to catch up, plan your week, or do admin.
- 2:30PM: Break! Eat, walk around, or rest your brain — you do not need to grind all day.
- 3PM: Explore. Check the Student Union board, pop into a society event, or wander — you might bump into someone and end up making a new friend.
- 4PM–5PM: Wrap up your tasks, prep for tomorrow, recheck your timetable.
You will feel more productive, less stressed, and still have time to live your best uni life.
You’ve Got This
Starting uni can feel like a lot — but you don’t need to figure it out all at once.
You’ll make mistakes, feel awkward, and learn as you go. That’s part of the journey. The most important thing? Just show up.
Go to the event, message in the group chat, say hi first. I promise you — it gets better. And then, it gets fun.
Call to Action
If you’re a fresher and have questions, leave a comment below — I’d love to help.
Have you have any tips or funny stories from your first week? Please feel free to share them too!
And if this helped, send it to a friend or anyone who’s starting uni soon — let’s help each other out.
REFERENCE LIST
Reddit.com. (2022). Reddit – The heart of the internet. [online] Available at: https://www.reddit.com/r/GetStudying/comments/zep667/how_do_i_create_a_study_routine_thats_sustainable/?rdt=65028
www.theuniguide.co.uk. (n.d.). University societies – what are they, how can you join them and why should you get involved? – The Uni Guide. [online] Available at:
Aszkenasy, J. (2023). Weekly meal plan: 28 cheap and healthy ideas. [online] Save the Student. Available at: https://www.savethestudent.org/save-money/food-drink/easy-meal-prep-for-students.html.
Theuniguide.co.uk. (2024). How to make friends at university – The Uni Guide. [online] Available at: https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/advice/student-life/how-to-make-friends-at-university.
UCAS. (2023). A list of absolutely everything you need to take to university or college. [online] Available at: https://www.ucas.com/money-and-student-life/student-life/starting-university-or-college/list-absolutely-everything-you-need-take-university-or-college
Youtu.be. (2025). Available at: https://youtu.be/ztltfnNNth0?si=mBucUe_6wbWjWWm
Qmsu.org. (2023). Clubs & Societies. [online] Available at: https://www.qmsu.org/clubs-socs